Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

Collection is open to research.

Use Restrictions

Permission to publish material from the William McCall Letter must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: William McCall Letter, Ms2008-042 - Special Collections, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Acquisition Information

The William McCall Letter was purchased by Special Collections in 2008.

Processing Information

The processing and description of the William McCall Letter commenced and was completed in July 2008.

Biographical Information

Though records exist for a William McCall who emigrated from Ireland to Franklin County, Virginia in the late 19th century, evidence suggests that he is not the author of the letter. The letter does not contain enough information to conclusively link its writer to a known individual.

Scope and Content

This collection contains a letter written by William McCall in Franklin County on August 15, 1785, to John Barr "in Holstein." Though McCall does not reveal his state of residence, the letter is believed to have been written in Virginia. (On the date the letter was written, however, both Pennsylvania and North Carolina also had counties named Franklin, and either may have been the writer's home.) McCall provides updates on the health and whereabouts of family and mutual friends, and he notes having recently received a letter from "Brother Robert," who "intends taking a tour to Caintucky... he adds he has a bright opinion of that country."